Pav considers Spurs exit

Russian striker frustrated with lack of playing time

Last updated: 25th August 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pav considers Spurs exit

Pavlyuchenko: Will listen to offers

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Roman Pavlyuchenko has hinted he is ready to leave Tottenham after failing to hold down a first-team place.

The Russian striker is set to start in Spurs' Carling Cup clash with Doncaster but has otherwise struggled for playing time so far this season.

Jermain Defoe has made a flying start to the season, ably supported by strike partner Robbie Keane, while new signing Peter Crouch has been employed as a back-up.

With Pavlyuchenko facing a season as the fourth choice front-man at White Hart Lane, the 27-year-old has stated he may leave the club in order to guarantee first-team football to protect his international place.

"No footballer likes being on the bench game after game. I could lose my place in the Russia squad ahead of the 2010 World Cup," he told Russian newspaper Sport Express.

"I'm ready now to listen to offers from other clubs."

Changes

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp will make a host of changes to the team that has excelled in the Premier League when they travel to the Keepmoat Stadium on Wednesday.

After a long pre-season and a congested beginning of the league campaign for the first-team regulars, Redknapp says he will be looking forward to giving the rest of his squad a run out.

"You want to win. I'll make lots of changes because we have a strong squad and the lads who have played had a tough pre-season," the former Portsmouth boss said.

"We went on a very difficult trip to China and then Hong Kong, then the Wembley Cup. No-one could have crowded more games than we did and it was not an ideal preparation.

Challenge

"We've come out of it and started well but this gives me a chance to play the good players who haven't featured yet.

"Doncaster are a real good footballing team. They pass the ball well and move it around. It will be a tough game but we have good players ourselves."

Despite playing down his team's chances of being an outside shot to lift the Premier League title, Redknapp is confident Spurs can launch a successful assault on the top four this season.

"You have to be optimistic. It's not impossible and there is no reason why we can't push the top four," he added.

"We don't fear anyone, we'll play against anyone and give them a game. We've got top players here. We have to believe we can keep going and push the top four. That is the aim but it will be tough."